Current Salves: For Tired, Achy Feet (and Moisturizing), Camphor & Olive Oil & Psoriasis and Eczema Salve

3/8/14
This weekend I have 3 oils infusing in the crock pot to make into salves on Sunday night.
Psoriasis & Eczema Blend:
Oils:
Olive
Rice Bran
Macadamia Nut
Jojoba 
Flaxseed
Apricot Kernel
Castor
Hazelnut
Shea Butter
Cocoa Butter

Herbs:
Nettles
Calendula
Goldenseal
Red Clover
Burdock Root
Borage
Tulsi
Cleavers
Rosemary
 & Flax Seed

I'm going to give this to Micheal's patient who requested something for psoriasis last week, and as I was a bit troubled by what I did with the last batch of psoriasis/eczema oil, which was, add more oil to make a bigger batch, I decided to scrap it and start over. But in the meantime, I had to give him something to give to the patient the following day. I decided to go the essential oil route. So, I combined some good base oils: Olive, Evening Primrose, Peanut, Apricot kernel, Pumpkin, Castor plus shea & coconut butter. And added essential oils: Rose, Geranium, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood and Lavender. I am so uncomfortable with this, because I had little time to test it on myself, plus I think the essential oil to base oil ratio was too high. This was a huge cluster. It's not the end of the world, but I like to give people products that work, and I'm not confident about this one. So, I'm making a new batch of herb infused oil over the weekend & I told Micheal to give it to his patient for free the next time he comes in. I know this stuff works, I tried it on myself, on this patch of dry, itchy skin I have had on and off over the past 4 or 5 years, and it's really the only thing that has ever worked that I have used for it. So, well, better late than never. 

Tired, Achy Feet Oil (Salve)
Olive Oil
Rice Bran Oil

Herbs:
Spearmint
Peppermint
Mint
Neem
Calendula
Lavender
& Flax Seed

Calendula, Flax Seed & Neem for skin softening & regenerating benefits, Lavender for calming & soothing, Spearmint, Mint & Peppermint for deep relaxation, muscle strain relief. This is going to be amazing! I'm going to add essential oils of peppermint & lavender before it hardens (after melting beeswax) to add to the deep penetrating/relaxation effect of the salve. 

Camphor Oil
Simple, Clean, Effective and just Awesome
Camphor chrystals infused in Organic Olive Oil
This is so effective for muscle strain it's a miracle. 
Micheal was having a muscle spasm in his leg the other day, I gave him some of this that I had in the cupboard. He had been limping around all morning, and then afterwords, not a peep. I had to remind him later and he was like, "wow, it just totally went away after I used that". So now he wants to keep it in the office to use on all of his patients who need deep tissue work for muscle pain and he will sell it to them if they like it, and/or need it for use at home. 

Tea Of The Day: Flu, Sore Throat & Deep Congestion Tea

12/1/2014

Flu, Sore Throat & Deep Congestion Tea

Ingredients:
Lemon Balm
Coltsfoot
Mullein Leaf
Elder Flowers
Marshmallow
Slippery Elm Bark

Lemon Balm - Anti-viral
Marshmallow- Demulcent - Soothes inflamed tissues (for lungs & throat)
Slippery Elm Bark - Demulcent - Soothes inflamed tissues (for lungs & throat), 
Coltsfoot - expectorant, anti-spasmotic, anti-inflammatory. One of the most recommended herbs for bronchial Problems. It helps a spasm-like cough, loosens phlegm, helps expectorate phlegm, and soothes inflamed tissues that result from deep and spastic coughing. Contains high amounts of zinc, which is immune-building & anti-inflammatory.
Elder Flowers - Indicated for upper respiratory conditions where there is mucous, inflammation & fever. 
Mullein Leaf - Tones mucous membranes of the respiratory system, reduces inflammation, helps expectoration. Used for bronchitis, in the presence of a hard cough accompanied by pain & soreness. Helps lubricate the trachea (dumulcent). Externally good for treating any inflammatory condition. This herb is helpful for almost any respiratory complaint, from bronchitis, to asthma. 

Today's Tea: Dandelion, Peppermint, Rose Bud & Rosemary

Today's tea was so good. I got sick of nettles. I'm pretty much convinced the limit on that is two days, which is approximately how long I was able to drink nettles before it just became enough. I trust my body to tell me what to do. And it knows. Today I was about to make another batch of nettles tea (namely for my roommate, who had requested it for his cough... but I know myself, and I would be drinking it as well, and he'll drink whatever I give him so it's all good either way).. but my body said stop! Instead, as I was sifting through my inventory of teas, I listened to my instinct, which lead me to pick out

This afternoon's tea:

dandelion leaf
rosemary
peppermint
rose buds

It was extremely light, and flavorful. Again, a tea that needed ZERO sweetener. The rose buds gave it a slightly sweet taste, it was really awesome! This tea is very nutritous. Dandelion is what they call a "nutrative herb".

I didn't know why. Your body knows what you need all the time. That's why you crave certain foods, but aren't aware of it. If your body is in need of protein, you will instinctively eat something high in protein. It's an automatic process that most people don't even think about, or perhaps even had never even considered. Your body knows what you need. And thats the best thing we can have! How great our bodies are, that it tells us what to eat/drink, etc. My body said I needed these things, and you know what? When I drank it I was sooooooo happy. It was just what I needed. I felt chilled out (I was on overdrive most of the day), my joints felt less achy, and it made me feel more alive. When your body needs a certain herb, in my experience, it will just automatically taste good to you, or you will just want to drink tons of it, because thats the way it is. Conversely, if your body doesn't need an herb, and it is presented to you as a tea, you might spit it out, or just take a sip, grimace, and set it aside. A lot of this, in the world of medicinal teas, is not about the way that it tastes only, as you might think. If your body craves it, the taste will either not matter as much as how much your body tells you to drink it ... and then you want it, or in my experience it will just taste better to you when its what your body needs. For example, one day in class, there was a tea... it was of Yarrow Root, and everyone in the class complained about the flavor. But to me, it was like the nectar of the gods. It tasted great! I wanted to drink a pitcher of it. Now, taste is mental. My body needed this tea, so the taste did not offend me. Others, perhaps did not have the need for it medicinally or nutritionally (which can be one in the same), so they just thought about the taste, and they didn't like it. I found that interesting. Also because in the past there have been teas that made me gag. I really really didn't like the taste, and others found it less offensive. I really do think it's your body's way of telling you what you need and what you don't at the time, it acts as a natural filter for what goes in our bodies, and for that, we are so lucky and I am so grateful! It's an amazing thing.

Chest Congestion: What You Can Drink, What You Can Eat to Help Get Better

God, how I hate being sick. I managed to make it through the cold days and months thusfar without getting sick, but alas, my body finally succumbed to the worst of winter curses, the cold/flu virus or some variation of the like. Who knows, in different places, at different times, certain bugs get around. So whatever my friend who I just texted and said she can't go out for new years probably since she's totally sick right now.. well that's most likely what I have too. My roommate has been hacking for the past 3 days, dismissing it as some sort of allergy. But i will tell you something, coughs are not something that my body gets easily. We all have our ailments that we seem to get over and over again. A horrendous, nasty, hacking cough is luckily not one of them.. very rarely. So after three days of travelling with the hacker, today I am totally ill. hes' still saying its an allergy (in his case). I think he made me sick. I'm so mad. But anyway, que sera sera, this is life. what doesn't kill me makes me stronger and all of that crap. But in the meantime, I am SUFFERING. UGH, THIS SUCKS!! 
So, I'm trying out some new stuff. Stuff I bought for my roommate to help him with his respiratory complaints, which are pretty chronic, and that I am taking for myself since at this point, I have no mercy, and no empathy of any kind. I made him an awesome tea blend, it was actually a Christmas present, yes.. I'm that ruthless, I am appropriating his Christmas present. It's contents are: 
Bronchial Tea: 
Mullein
Eucalyptus
Orange Peel
Ginger root
Marshmallow Root
Peppermint
Spearmint
Nettle Leaf
Elder Flowers
Rose Hips

I made a strong decoction of this tea (boil water, pour in herbs, simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, let it steep 5 minutes or longer after removed from heat). It was pretty darn good. I mean, tasty good. That's always nice. And minty.. yay for mint, it helps clear the sinuses. Then I added something new: 
HONEY LOQUAT SYRUP
That was something I picked up at Natural Grocers to go along with the respiratory tea blend for my roomie. It's strong, wow!! But good stuff, seriously. According to the label on the honey, this is a tradition Chinese "soothing" beverage that dates back to 25 AD. Loquat is a pear shaped fruit native to Asia (but now cultivated in California). This recipe, which is han's "New Formula" Natural Honey Loquat includes Loquat fruit, grosvenor momordica, or Lo Han Guo fruit, fritillary, stemona root, hogennel root, apricot extract, peppermint, apricot kernel and licorice. It is some serious sh-t, in a completely good way. Jiving on it. Not the best tasting, definitely CANNOT be used in place of honey, this is not just some derivation of honey.. it's medicine, for real. I'm going to have to look up a bunch of those herbs, since I have yet to formally study Chinese herbs or TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), but I believe strongly in the wisdom of the Chinese way of natural healing, and I'm a new big fan of honey loquat syrup. Thanks Han.. whoever you are.
Next ingredient: CINNAMON. I dug up some organic cinnamon from the cabinet and put about a teaspoon in and stirred. It might sound a bit crazy to do, but as much as I abhor having a sore throat, nonetheless a cold (I studied herbalism, dangit, shouldn't I be immune by now? I take the right supplements... alas, sometimes you can't prevent everything, especially if it is a virus.. sometimes.. it just gets you) I really don't care. I will swallow a whole clove, breathe in anything that might clear my lungs of this congestion.. I will do.. anything. I HATE this. Stirred in the cinnamon, and the final touch, squeezed HALF A LIME into it. I'm going to eat my antibiotic soup and retire to my bed, where I will lay in a half daze moaning and groaning until I fall unconscious and wake up to a hopefully healthier tomorrow. Lime, of course, is chock full of vitamin C, and one of my faves to add to pretty much anything and everything when I'm not feeling well in a cold/flu/chest/head congestion kind of way.. 
ANTIBIOTIC SOUP: 
CHICKEN (although I am trying to cut meat out of my diet.. studying Ayurveda and well, you aren't supposed to eat meat according to Ayurveda, but that's another story)
CHIVES
ROSEMARY
GARLIC
QUINOA
KALE
POTATO
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
ONION
LIME
PEANUT OIL 
CAYENNE PEPPER
CHOPPED RED ONION
TOMATO FLAVORED BOULLION
All of the ingredients were simmered together for an hour or so with the exception of the lime, which was squeezed over the finished soup, 2 tbsp of peanut oil, which was added and stirred in after as well, and the cayenne pepper, same as the previous 2. The last ingredients were added because, well, I made the soup before I was feeling sick.. luckily, it was like a premonition. But also, it's cold outside, and basically, the colder it is outside, the more sense soup makes in general. So I warmed up this tasty treat, added the peanut oil because it is one of the best anti-inflammatory oils (and everything feels inflammed; my throat, lungs, and glands) plus its super high in Omega Oils your body needs for strength and vitality, plus I've just been basically obsessed ever since I read about it in a book about Edgar Cayce, one of the most prominent pioneers of naturopathic medicine, and boy does he have an interesting story. But he prescribed peanut oil to treat inflammation, and I've been hooked ever since. It's also just really yummy. I don't much like eating peanuts, not sure why, they are too hard I think, seriously, I never thought about it but if I do, I think that's why I'm not a big nut eater. They are just too hard. However, I've learned recently, its a good idea to soak them before eating. That might change things a bit. But anyways, the flavor of peanuts is SO FREAKING GOOD. So basically peanut oil, is all of the tasty yumminess of peanuts, without the whole biting and chewing part. I'm smothering it all over my body (part of Ayurvedic self massage regimen), plus dousing my food with it. Cayenne pepper, I probably added at least a tablespoon. But I can take it, anyways, my tastebuds are totally out of order, as they often are when you are wayyyyy congested, so I can't really taste it if it is insanely hot. But cayenne, ginger (which I put in my smoothie earlier in the day), and garlic are the 3 MUST HAVES if you have a cold. Oh, I forgot to mention that I sprinkled the raw sliced red onion over the finished soup as well. Raw onion.. raw anything that is antibiotic in nature, is always better raw, organic and fresh. So, I sprinkled about a 1/3 cup of diced onions into the soup and stirred. Those are among my favorite as well. Super good for decongesting the lungs. 

Herb Journal: Red Root

The tincture of red root is a really groovy shade of red.It is a pretty dark red, separates it from the masses in this sense. I actually like the way it tastes, it is one of the less bitter root tinctures I've had, it is kind of smooth, a bit woody, a slight tinge of aftertaste that makes you salivate a bit. It feels grounding, calming, cooling. My breathing is becoming more fluid, and my fears less real. As I have been, today in particular in something of a meloncholic funk, it is really cool for me that I am taking this herb today, as it says it is especially helpful for people with a melancholy constitution, who are in an (artistic) funk. I wouldn't say my funk is particularly artistic, but i guess its all in the way you look at it. If the chaos of life is artistic, then let's just go with it. Being a lymphatic, this is also a good tincture for me today, especially considering how much I drank last night.. not that it was so incredibly much, but too much for me, especially considering I just wanted a beer or two, and was intending to stop drinking in general more or less, except for on occasion. Well, that flew out the window, so did my productivity and sense of purpose. That might seem a little extreme, but it just is that way for this particular situation (call it a funk). Let it cleanse the toxins: I can use it, right now. It's good to know that this herb is recommended for people under acute stress. It seems strengthening. I can see that it could be a good companion during times when life gets overwhelming. I also noticed that it is good for pelvic congestion, and can be a companion to Ocotillo when things get a bit murky down there. 

Herb Journal: Skullcap

I've never much been a fan of skullcap, but I have to wonder how much of it has to do with it's name. For example if motherwort and skullcap had the names reversed, perhaps I would feel differently about each one. I'm not sure, could be something psychological.. since the name skullcap just gives me the heebie jeebs. Like, what in the world, skulls are, well I although we all have them while we are alive, but most of the time when you hear the word mentioned, it has to do with some program where they are doing autopsies, archeological digs, or solving crimes like on Bones. It makes me think "death" and herbs to me, are about living. I really do have to wonder. But, on the otherhand, here are the facts: Skullcap just gives me a headache. Every. Single. Time. It makes me feel dizzy and disoriented, which amps up my heart rate, and does the opposite of what it is supposed to; calm, soothe, alleviate headaches, even being used for acute nervous conditions for it's calming actions, I don't know. I'm trying to give it another chance. Maybe I'll just call it something else, like "happy green stuff" and I'll make it something less scary and then give it a fair shot. Initially, I have to say, the taste reminds me a lot of alfalfa, which makes sense since it is high in many of the same vitamins & minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium). I should specify, it tastes a lot like alfalfa, which is basically what horses eat, and the flavor is.. grass. Grass tea. Drinking fields of grass. Not my fav, but not the worst.. however close to it. Those grassy herbs that are super high in calcium do seem to make my stomach hurt, sort of like the way wheatgrass does. Just throws it off a bit, making me sort of nauseous. I want to like skullcap, but I also want to give it another name. I had a few sips of the tea, made a strong infusion, and I am feeling kind of more mellow than before. Somehow I'm more aware of my jaw, which is clenched, and this has happened to me before, drinking skullcap and feelling my jaw being clenched. Supposedly good for all of these things like anxiety, depression, insomnia, worry, cooling down hot emotions such as anger, jealousy, hatred, irritability, as a pain reliever for headaches, relieving nervous exhaustion, muscle spasms, twitching, tremors, calming the spirit and the mind.. and all it does for me, as much as I want to say its not true, is just give me a stomach ache and make my head spin. Well, not every herb is for everybody. I'm just gonna leave this one alone, and not that I would have a problem recommending it to anyone else. I think it is just too cooling, and too drying for me. It doesn't make me smile.. but then again valerian keeps me up all night. Different strokes for different folks. 

Herb Journal: Willow Bark

The overwhelming thing that I noticed about Willow Bark, before I even tried it, was the floral, aroma,tic scent of the tincture. Wow, I can't remember the last time a tincture had a smell that I remembered fondly. The taste of the Willow Bark tincture in water is quite the same, pleasurable, sweet, even kind of syrupy. I didn't want to put too much of the tincture into the water, since if the smell was so powerful, I could assume that so was the medicine. Plus, i know that Willow is best known for it's pain-killing qualities, if it is potent, well then I won't need to much of it. Every time I tip the cup up to my mouth, the smell just melts me. It tastes like violets, or some sort of purple flower.. it tastes the way they smell. I'm a bit intoxicated with this tincture right now, and I can say.. it is so .. nice.. to take. What a pleasure. I don't find it bitter, drying or astringent, just floral and delicious. Willow bark is known, much like Meadowsweet, for its analgesic effects, an herbal aspirin, as some might say.. I have been using it successfully, for some time, in salves for arthritis, sprains & strains. It is very effective, and pretty miraculous, how the bark of a tree can do such wonders. It also helps with genito-urinary irritation, general over-excitability in many of its manifestations, diminishes irritation both on a physical and mental/emotional plane. It helps with ovarian pain, gonorrhea, indigestion, mental irritation/bitterness, headache and much more. This is a great herb, I love it, and am so glad to have it as something that I can use in my natural medicine making vocabulary.

Herb Journal: St John's Wort

St John's Wort is another tincture that actually tastes kind of pleasant to me. It feels warming to my chest, is the first sensation that I have after taking almost a full dropper-full in water. My mouth started tingling a bit. Then I took a deep breath, the kind that you take when you have been forgetting to breathe for a while, maybe even a lifetime. I tend to hold my breath when I am stressed, or when my mind is fixated on something. Holding my breath is something I just started to do maybe ... well, less than a decade ago, I had never done that before, perhaps because in that phase of my life, there were a lot of times when I felt baffled. My biggest opponent is confusion. I HATE to be confused. So when things around me are happening that I cannot psychoanalyze or understand whatsoever, and the same applies to people's behavior, it drives me berzerk. And I tend to hold my breath. Something about feeling like "I just don't get it, please tell me what the heck is going on" and holding my breath became a habit, and I still have that going on, unfortunately. But I just noticed that I started breathing. St. Johns Wort, did you give me the power to begin breathing again? I never liked St. John's Wort, but for no reason, other than I hate things that are mass marketed that are supposed to cure people of this or that. St. John's Wort was so overhyped. And what happened to those people for whom St. John's Wort did not help? Should they just go kill themselves or what? But you know what, that's not the herb's fault. It's those dumb marketing people. As we know, different herbs affect everyone in different ways.. it too frustrating to watch everyone and their mother go out and buy any one herb thinking it is the only one, the thing that will help them.. and when it doesn't? So I kind of kicked it to the curb. Also, its not really that great to admit you are depressed. And that's the other thing.. is that all St. John's Wort is good for? Must you be suffering from depression to take it? If you are taking it and it is benefiting you does that mean you are depressed? As you can see, I dont like it when things are put into containers or boxes and are said to have a blanket effect. It gives people false hope, and it makes St. John's Wort, the depression drug. The prozac of the herbal world. It is that, it could be that, but so many other things as well. Who knew that this herb was good for wounds, muscle aches, skin conditions, is also anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, good for respiratory conditions, anemia, weakness, uterine cramping & menstrual disorders, swollen breasts, deep wounds (to heal from the inside out), burns, ulcers, skin tags... and is also a nervine (nerve tonic)? Aside from treating SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and other forms of depression, it is for nervous anxiety, hysteria, and insomnia. So even if you aren't depressed, but you do have chronic anxiety (for which you would only know about kava kava according to those mass marketers...) St John's Wort combined with Kava Kava or other calming sedative herbs (milky oats, passionflower, motherwort, etc) would be a great remedy to keep your cool when emotions are running high. 

Herb Journal: Milky Oats/ Oatstraw

I made a tea of oatstraw once, and read all of the properties that it described, and it was a disappointment. Although I thought that it seemed mineral rich, I didn't feel relaxed, or any of the calming and sedating sort of effects that I had anticipated, based on it's description of something that aids adrenal burnout and people who are stressed out due to just running on fumes for a while. I knew that something must have been wrong, and that's when I realized, it wasn't oatstraw, but milky oats that had that strong effect. The oatstraw to me, seemed nutritive, but didn't do anything to my mind.. then we went on the camping trip and Amber started talking about milky oats. Ahhhh, light bulb. The milky top of the oats are the potent medicine, the oatstraw.. eh.. not so much (at least in my opinion). The tincture of milky oats is actually pretty tasty, it is sweet, tangy and seems sort of.. well, nourishing as well. But nourishing to the soul. I can't say that there are a large amount of tinctures that taste good to me, so I'm happy to say that this is one of them. How nice! I can drink it, and not make a squinty face. After drinking a few cups of water with 3/4 dropper full of tincture, I started to feel a bit spacey. Started to feel also grounded, and more focused on myself. When you put your energy into looking outwards, and you are so busy observing and reacting to people and their stupidity (just something that occurred today), it takes all of you.. you will just go from one outrage to another. Wouldn't it be great to have sane people around you all the time, people who make you feel more calm and secure, than people who throw off your sense of what's what with their own ridiculous perceptions and hyperactive intolerances and projections. Wow, I need new friends. Or to stop wasting my time with ones who make me seethe and foam at the mouth. It's very hard to stay focused when other people are making you panic. Then you realize, it's not what you actually think, but what they are saying is frightening, and it takes your sense of what is real along with it. How do you build those walls, those protective layers ... so that idiotic people do not shift your sense of calm and well being with their hysteria, or distorted views of you..? Seems I have gone into a somewhat reflective state, and I feel like the milky oats certainly took it down enough. I am feeling somewhat like this is not just a sedative, but a narcotic. Wow, I'm feeling mellllooooooooow. Nice plant! Let's all just chill and sing a hare krishna mantra.

Herb Journal: Oregon Grape Root

Mild, compared to a lot of root teas. Tastes like earth and all of that, well, understandably, it is a root. I have to say, I love roots. I love bark, they are so grounding. Such intense and beautiful medicine, something that gave life to a plant, that was rooted in the earth, we are so lucky to have these beautiful things at our disposal. This tea is not yummy, nor offensive. Its just.. okay. But nevertheless, understanding its enormous power, it demands so much respect. Since Goldenseal is becoming endangered due to overharvesting, I'm glad we have a local plant that offers similar medicinal properties. The tea is sort of yellow-ish brown and very mild. It is a little bitter, and for that reason, I think i'd rather take it as a tincture if I were to be using it in great quantities. It had a head-clearing effect on me, which stands to reason, as one of the things that it is indicated for is headaches. Specifically headaches starting at the occiput and sreading over the right side of the head to the eyes, which is similar to the one I had, sort of, on one side, much like a stress/tension headache or a migraine but less intense. I love Oregon Grape Root for it's potent anti-bacterial, anti-microbial/anti-viral properties, great for acute infections but as well to keep your immune system strong (immuno-modulating) and to bring your body back into balance (alterative). 

Herb Journal: Burdock Root

Burdock Root tea is certainly not the most delicious, but it is extremely fortifying. In fact, it is not a bad tasting tea, compared to several others, it is warming, and somewhat spicy. It feels grounding. Although burdock root is known to be cooling in action, it feels warming to me, but perhaps because I am simply cold right now, and I am drinking the warm tea. It feels protective and comforting, like a really warm blanket that shuts out the cold on a desperately freezing cold night. It is a forceful detoxifier, and reduces heat, dampness and inflammation, and since I tend to run hot, this is a great herb for me. I haven't been drinking it much over the course of this class, but I'm kind of scratching my head wondering why. I'm loving it right now, thinking this is something I can, and probably should drink every day. It is one of the top alkalizing herbs written about in books on how to alkalize your system. This is something I have been working on, and it's not a bad idea to take this daily for that reason as well. It helps symptoms stemming from chronic anxiety, that's a pretty big reason for me to give it a chance as well.. since things have been making me pretty anxious these days, and I feel that it has been and still is compromising my immune system. The fact that it is known to detoxify the body of poisons is another reason to take it regularly. The toxins we are exposed to these days are so exponential. I feel stronger and determined after drinking it, and my body just feels more present. Glad to revisit burdock, I'm going to make it a part of my routine in the future for sure. Well, in the future, meaning, starting now. Think I'll finish this cup, which I can't always. Anytime I want to finish a cup of tea we are giving as the herb of the week, it is a big thing for me, it tells me.. these are the teas that I need, me in particular, to add to my regimen.. at least for now, unless my body gets to a point where it no longer wants or needs it. Thank you Burdock, for reminding me of how special you are. I don't know if its too late, but if not I may go back to the last place we went for a hike, and try to harvest some. 

Herb Journal: Poleo Mint

Poleo Mint, what the heck is that? Right? We all know what mint is, but I'm guessing most of you have never heard of this particular species. To start, it's mint. It's really sweet, delicious mint. In the US it grows in the wild in the Southwest; in Southern California, Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. It is, as most mints are, extremely cooling. Taking it as a tincture is not bad, the one that we were given was only 25% alcohol, which although I like the idea of less alcohol, perhaps took away a little bit of it's potency, I do like my mint strong enough to have that sting, so maybe that's why this tincture is not exactly my favorite, but it does have a great taste, and would be good to add to lemonade, or some sort of iced teas in the summertime. Mint is known for its digestive aid properties, it also just chills you out overall, it is an extremely cooling plant. This cooling nature makes it good for spasms and inflammation, mint is always good to clear the sinuses, and I can feel it making its way down the back of my throat, where there is some stored up mucous from the place I slept last night, which always stuffs me up. It's just yummy, however, in the particular climate that we are in at the moment, it is incredibly brisk and cold out, this herb doesn't seem like something I will be using regularly, as I feel my body getting colder by the moment. One side-note, the poleo mint infused honey that a classmate made was absolutely delicious. I wouldn't have thought to infuse honey with mint, but of all of the concoctions people came up with throughout the course of our class, I have to say it was one of the just purely satisfying edibles to my taste buds that I came across. This is a super idea, for colds and flu especially, or allergy/sinus relief to use this honey in a hot tea with lemon (I'm thinking hibiscus tea...  it would be perfect!)

Herb Journal: Desert Willow

Desert Willow. It's not as easy to talk about the flavor of an herb when it is given in the form of a tincture, because, well, at least to me, the overwhelming flavor is the alcohol. So, all I can say is, it tastes somewhat mild, somewhat bitter. Not the best tasting tincture i've had, not even close. But then again, that doesn't tell me a lot. What I do know about desert willow, is that it is an excellent herb with tremendous benefits that I have experienced personally. The American Southwest's answer to Pau D'Arco, which is indigenous to Brazil and various parts of Central/South America, Desert Willow is another one of those herbs you probably wouldn't hear a single thing about unless you were A)studying herbal medicine, most likely in the Southwest US, or 2) Consulting an herbalist... again in the American Southwest. This was given to me as part of a regimen to cure this chronic pain and inflammation that I had in my uterus following a biopsy, and I feel was one of the most instrumental. I came to the conclusion that I had developed some sort of infection, but that one of the components involved some sort of yeast imbalance or overgrowth, since anything fermented or sugary made it so much worse. I couldn't have any alcohol at all, it made my body EXTREMELY hot, and it just made me think there was a candida infection or something fungal going on. I can say that desert willow was instrumental in helping to conquer this, or balance out whatever was out of whack, down there, allowing my insides to heal, once and for all. This is a powerful herb, one of the many that I have to be grateful for due to my recent health crisis/ordeal. This herb is also recommended to use as a deuche for damp vaginal conditions and internally as a tincture expressly for candida. I love this plant. it is beautiful and angelic, and so potent and wonderful for what it is used for. The leaves, stems and flowers of this plant are what are used to make medicine, which is also interesting and unique, since most of the herbs that I used for my condition, that were strong enough to attack this relentless infection were bark and roots. If you look at the tender pink flowers, you would imagine them at your wedding.. it's amazing what nature can do. 

Herb Journal: Cayenne

Cayenne is one of my favorite herbs. People get confused, like isn't that a spice? What's the difference between herbs and spices? Well they are both plants, but here's the difference, and it really applies here to culinary terminology: According to the Spice Island website, herbs are the leafy portions of the plant, dried or fresh (ie: basil, parsley, cilantro), and spices are harvested from any other part of the plant (roots, seeds, flower buds, berries & stamens). In herbal medicine, though, its all the same. Plants used as medicine = herbs. There are so many great things about cayenne, I don't know where to start! Cayenne is amazing, it can cure pretty much any infection in my experience! It is also great for respiratory issues.. congestion, flu symptoms, allergies, asthma. It's funny we were talking about snorting it for major sinus congestion. I'd say don't try this at home.. but just so you know, I might. But seriously, don't try it. I've heard it can make you hallucinate, and as much fun as that might sound to some, I just don't and never would advocate it. That's not my kind of medicine (hallucinations, and what others might consider psycho-spiritual medicine, a la peyote or Ayahuasca). But I think that the hallucinations might derive from the fact that you are melting your brain. Okay, so if that isn't sufficient warning, I don't know what is. In the meantime, cayenne is a great vasodilator, and can actually stop a heart-attack while it is happening. Gets your circulation flowing, and keeps you healthy, truly, being an antibiotic of the most enviable potency. If you can't take the heat, the best way to take cayenne is in capsule form. For maximum benefit, I would suggest that you buy the powder and make the capsules yourself. You can buy vegetarian gelatin capsules at health food stores. Stuff the cayenne in there, seal, and swallow with some lemonade, it helps counterbalance the spiciness of the cayenne. Otherwise, put a dash in a cup if you are brave, pour in some water, squeeze a lemon into it (or not) and drink. There are so many ways to incorporate cayenne into your diet, lifestyle and body. You can rub it on wounds so as to prevent infection, of course add it to food at any time (in moderation, it is pretty strong), make a tincture. Me and cayenne.. me and any hot pepper, we're friends for life. It is also anti-cancer, anti-tumor, and has been seen in various studies to prevent these diseases from arising, of course, in combination with a healthy lifestyle. For me, cayenne opened up my nasal sinuses just now. I was having a tough time breathing, which i normally do in this apartment i'm staying in right now - allergies - and it had an immediate effect. Also, it just gives me a jolt. If I'm tired or stressed or just fatigued, it wakes me up and makes me feel so much better. Love it! 

Herb Journal: Horsetail

Horsetail seems to be one of those more well known herbs to the public. It is widely publicized, along with saw palmetto and a few others, for it's impact on the health of hair, skin and nails. Plus as something that has miraculous effects for musculoskeletal issues: bone, joint & cartilage injuries. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Can't say it's scrumptious, can't say its terrible. I wouldn't be drinking it for the fun of it. But it does have a lot of good traits. It helps with tissue repair, helping the body to rebuild damaged cartilage and joint structures, good for UTI's, and externally does the same for the skin as it does the internal, it helps wound healing externally, and taking baths with horsetail (make a strong tea and pour it in there) is good for sagging skin (must remember this, I'm tired of working out.. haha, joke), varicose veins, rashes, boils & abscesses. This is just a very healing herb. I'm leaving a lot of stuff out, but it seems to address practically every issue imaginable. People that it is indicated for are nervous, agitated people, the kinds who have twitches, and can't stop swinging their crossed leg up and down, or tapping the floor... we all know them, or are them. Horsetail tea or tincture can aid that kind of nervousness. A strange aftertaste is somewhat like vanilla. Interesting. Maybe I'll reconsider my drink it for pleasure stance. However, horsetail is not indicated as a daily for life kind of herb. It can rob your body of vitamin B1, and become an irritant to your urinary tract & intestinal mucosa. This is NOT something to concern yourself with if you are taking the tea in order to help recover from an acute condition. Just.. not forever. Also, be careful about harvesting this plant in the wild. Although it is easily identifiable, and looks really cool, like a tuft of beautiful long, albeit green, hair, it is very susceptible to absorbing contaminants from nearby soil that is tainted, it has a special capacity for this, and thus, the soil that it touches, if it is by a riverbed, the water that is flowing through, carrying contaminants, even plants that might be poisonous that are nearby.. makes it not worth working with. My advice is know your source, cultivate it yourself, or buy it from someone who can do the discerning for you (an herb store, or online distributor). 

Herb Journal: Raspberry Leaf

I'm just starting this journal entry, and I already have to pee. WARNING: This herb is a major diuretic, and will make you pee. A lot, like a racehorse. BUT, if you have a UTI, or a fever, or an infection.. well, that's not such a bad thing, now is it? I really love raspberry leaf tea. It feels rich, filling, it has depth, it is grounding, and it is reassuring. Yes, i am becoming like a wine or coffee connoisseur about it, listen to me, but when you try something enough, in different variations, and have to find ways to describe it, suddenly you begin to describe the way it makes you feel. cozy, homey, fresh, adoring.. as if the tea is its own animal, and has its own way of making you feel. it can be real, no? It tastes so good, and thats something that i cant say about zillions of herbs, so i'm gonna hang with that one on the raspberry leaf tea. It doesn't taste like the fruit, as one might hope, but it does taste a little bit sweet, perhaps a little bit like raspberry, just a slight trace of it. This tea feels extremely cleansing. It is nutritive, containing vitamin C, calcium, manganese, iron, niacin, vitamin A and selenium (another one for the iron + calcium formulas), plus vitamin C formulas which might contain rose hips, hibiscus, orange and lemon peel, and any kind of edible wild berries. This herb is best known as a female uterine tonic, strengthening the muscles of the uterus, and helping women through pregnancy, childbirth and recovery for centuries. It also can go very well with uva ursi to relieve bladder irritation, and is a fertility tonic. Considering I just finished drinking nettles tea, this was a good choice, as the nettles was making me feel nauseous, and Raspberry Leaf is indicated to ease nausea. Lucky me. This leaf helps strengthen bones, teeth, hair and nails, and would be great in combination with horsetail for these purposes. Hmmm. Think I'll make a horsetail and raspberry leaf tincture. Good combo, glad I thought of it. All in all, it makes you pee a lot. So don't drink it if you are going to see a movie, going on a date, or about to do a presentation for work. It is seriously (at least for me) THAT strong of a diuretic. But other than that, if a bathroom is nearby, drink up. It's yummy, and it fortifies your uterus. That can never be a bad thing.

Herb Journal: Nettle Leaf

Another herb I want to like, but just in all reality, just don't. It gives me something of a gag reflex actually, it just tastes bad and .. bothers my stomach, making me nauseous. Wow, okay, the stinging nettle leaf. I never understood how a plant that you cannot even handle with your bare hands, because it stings you and leaves your hands sore, red and itchy, could somehow transform into something people are cooking for dinner, or drinking as tea. It does sting a bit, making my tongue and roof of my mouth.. sort of well.. sting, like feel numb, and a bit painful. But there is no denying that this is a plant that can do wonders. First, I have to give it props for being one of the most nutritive. Like Alfalfa & red clover, it is a must have for both iron and calcium supplements, and is extremely alkalizing, like all dark leafy greens. Full of chlorophyll, it is a huge benefit to your system, and balances that acid/alkaline P.H. Also, I have used it as a case study, regarding allergies and coughs, and well.. it lives up to its reputation, this is a priceless herb for allergies, and respiratory complaints. I have literally seen it work, seen someone who was coughing drink a tea of it, and just stop coughing, and this is someone with a long term chronic cough, and it just stopped. Then I made an allergy syrup, which this person gave to a friend, who also had a serious chronic cough, and it had the same effect on her. Can't knock it. Just perhaps, try to mask it in some honey and make a syrup. I didn't seem to dislike it so much in the summer, which makes sense in context since it is so cooling. I am feeling kind of cold in this apartment while I drink it, which may be why it is more offensive to me than interesting. Of course, as one studies herbal medicine, you grow to understand that whether an herb rubs you the right or wrong way has a lot to do with your condition at the time, and what your body needs. If your body doesnt need it, or if it has no practical use, then your body wont like it, if your body needs it, you will want to drink several glasses, or at least one full one. I never had an affinity for nettles, but I do remember that I found it much less offensive in the summer, when i drank it with ice, than I do now, when I am drinking it warm. Oh, and I can't forget to mention how much nettles is indicated for strengthening hair and stimulating growth, I will always put it in my hair tonics and oils as long as I have some on hand, along with horsetail, burdock rosemary and ginger (which i like as a scalp stimulant). 

Herb Journal: Mullein

Hmphhh, I just dont know how to say I like Mullein, I just want to, but it just isn't one of those pleasant tasting herbs. But either way, it doesn't make me think it's useless. So, the tea is a really cool shade of almost flourescent yellow/green, the leaves are amidst my favorite because they are so unique and interesting, these fuzzy velvety things that feel like fabric you would use as a blanket, the pretty mint color of them, the neat thick prickly stem, this is a really amazing looking plant, to make you gasp, truly cool looking, like something you would want to paint. Mullein seems to grow quite easily and is a hardy plant, it is known for helping with respiratory complaints, and is good in syrups, the flowers known to ease earaches. The leaves are smoked for respiratory complaints, although I dont have any real urge to smoke any of the herbs we have been studying. Doing a steam inhalation or drinking the tea.. even making a nasal spray or an oil that you can drop into my nose would be preferable. I haven't tried it for UTI's, the tea doesn't seem as mucilaginous as.. say marshmallow or slippery elm, which is good because those can become gross if you dont drink them right away.. i do like teas that you can refrigerate and drink cold later on.. even if the cold isn't particularly the best for your body. old habits die hard, which is no excuse, it might take me a while though, to switch to room temperature and warm on a regular basis. I like the idea of using this externally, or internally as a deuche. I just really dislike the taste. its almost like very little taste, but the little taste that it has it horrendous. Okay to put in a syrup, of course, which more or less masks the flavor of most of the herbs. Would do that. Probably not drink it again, not unless it was a situation where there was nothing else that would work, and it were my only option. Thanks mullein floppy ears, I'll keep you on the outside (or in a tincture, syrup, etc.. however still, I just find other herbs with similar properties more amenable to my taste). For allergies, I'll hold you close, but otherwise, think you will be a back shelf herb for me. Sorry, guy, you are extremely cute though. 

Herb Journal: Yarrow

My first reaction to yarrow is that it is incredibly cooling. I had been running on fumes all day and felt just burnt out. The yarrow tea was a friendly hug. For some reason, I didn't remember yarrow to be a reasonable tasting herb, but drinking it this time, was a really pleasant surprise. Yarrow is so good for you for so many different things, I even remember saying to myself, whenever it would come up that yarrow was good for this, or good for that... too bad it doesn't taste good at all. I don't remember where i got that idea from. Its actually one of the more pleasant tasting teas that I have had in quite some time, that have been on the "herb of the week" list at least. It tastes a little minty, but generally pleasant and soothing. It is not harsh, but not too weak either. It is calming, comforting and just like a pet on the head. The energetics include "diffusive", and I think that would explain the feeling that I have right now, diffused the overload of nervous energy, intensity, worry and neurosis that have been plaguing me at the time. I felt that it took it out of my brain, or out of one specific place, and let it run out into my body, dissolving it, just making it able to "let go". Not sure if that was the meaning of the word in that context, but it works for me right now. Interestingly enough, it says yarrow is indicated for the wounded healer. I find this absolutely perfect right now, especially because my kind nature has been in question, and in the context of a long relationship, where I felt I had given so much. The fact that it is my nature to heal people, and being told I am self-centered and do not care about the well-being of others has been a terrible thing to grapple with. Perhaps yarrow can be the spear (as the leaves appear to be, little spears) with which I can fight off those demons of self-doubt and self-blame. Also for me, I must have overlooked the indication for inflamed ovaries. I should have been taking this over the past few months, for sure, to help with all of the swelling in that part of my body. Also, restlessness. I had a harder time falling asleep last night than usual. So another thing, that makes yarrow a tea that resonates with me at this time. My favorite thing about yarrow are the leaves, they are so unique and pretty, that combined with the white puffball flowers on top, that look a lot like puffy cotton balls.. it was the first plant that I was able to identify with some degree of certainty in the wild. I wonder if this indicates that I will have a long, prosperous relationship with it. I really don't know what it means, and it just occurred to me just now, since I haven't been using it for much, or drinking it at all, since we first got the bag of it for class. 

Herb Journal: Elder Flower

What I first noticed about elder flower, aside from the unique and beautiful deep golden tone of the tea, matching the color of the little tiny dried flowers, is that it tastes minty to me. That was a bit of a shocker. But well for whatever reason I had associated Elder with something relaxing and calming, it seemed to follow suit. It's just that we always seem to associate mint flavor with the color green. It is a really pleasant tasting tea. Happy about that. It's a cold day, I feel stressed out, and this tea is gentle and relaxing, kind of comforting, and grounding. Something about it is reassuring me that everything is going to be okay. To stop thinking so much, let life just happen, release, let go, and while you are so busy worrying about this and that, you forgot to realize that actually... everything is completely okay. The following sips made me aware of a nutty flavor, and then a slightly sweet, caramel like flavor, maybe a bit smokey. Wow, this is a really beautiful tea. I am also feeling a serious mellowing effect. It might be possible just that I haven't had a warm tea in a while, and since its been pretty cold out, the soothing nature of a warm tea is simply irreplaceable. But I have to say, this is a decadent tea, that can be drank for pleasure and it's just plain warmth and yummyness, than for this or that acute situation. This could be a daily for me. I'm happy to have experienced it. There is a light, sunshiny vibe to it, which goes along with its sun-shiny yellow color. I wonder if somehow, in some way, the color of an herb can also have an impact on its energetics. This is an uplifting, sensual tea, and the sun is, well uplifting and sensual.. and yellow, like the elderflower.